OBITUARY

Melburn Arnold Sanderson

August 8, 1930 – February 16, 2019

Melburn Arnold (Sandy) Sanderson, born in Dallas, TX on August 8, 1930 to Dr. Thomas A. Sanderson and Gladys Kischel Sanderson, passed from this life on February 16, 2019 in Houston, TX. When Sandy was a toddler, the family moved to Houston where his father set up his medical practice.

In 1942 Dr. Sanderson enlisted in the Army Air Corps and was stationed at Lackland Hospital in San Antonio, TX. The family resided there for the duration of the war. Following Dr. Sanderson's discharge from the military, the family returned to Houston.

Sandy graduated from Lamar High School in 1948, enrolling in Lamar Junior College in Beaumont, TX for his first year of college. He then transferred to the University of Texas in Austin where he obtained his Bachelor's Degree in Physical Education. He later received his Master's Degree from the University of Houston.

He taught physical education and coached football, baseball and basketball at Deady Junior High, Marshall, Bellaire High School, and Lamar High School. He later volunteered as baseball coach at Strait Jesuit, retiring following the 1982 baseball season. Following his retirement from full time teaching in 1962 he entered the life insurance business working for The Equitable, Great American Reserve, Jefferson National Life Insurance, and Allianz.

Sandy played and managed amateur baseball for a period of time, keeping alive his love of sports. While still teaching high school PE, he got the opportunity to referee basketball rather than teach it. He thoroughly enjoyed his years of refereeing and continued for many years after his retirement from teaching.

After his retirement from insurance sales, he became a member of the Harris County Senior Softball League and played until he was 75 when health concerns forced his retirement.

Sandy is predeceased by his parents, son Tom Sanderson, and daughter Pamela Sanderson. He is survived by his wife of 37 years, Martha M. Sanderson; daughter Candace Sanderson; son John Sanderson; brother Dr. Terry A. Sanderson and wife, Barbara; three stepsons, James E. Durden of Houston, Guy L. Durden of San Antonio, and Roger W. Durden and wife,Debby of Magnolia; two grandchildren, eight step-grandchildren, and ten step-great grandchildren.

Visitation will be on Wednesday, February 20, 2019 at 1:00 PM at Earthman Bellaire Funeral Home, 4525 Bissonnet St., Bellaire, TX 77401 with a celebration of life service immediately following at 2:00PM.

REMEMBERING

Melburn Arnold Sanderson

Stan Ludwick

February 21, 2019

I played baseball my sophomore and junior years at Lamar HS 1962,1963 forSandy as well as Amateur ball the year after my Junior year. To me he was a very good baseball coach and a teacher of life as well. I was one of his first customers when he switched to Life insurance. My dad bought a life policy for me which I kept active well into my adult life. Had lots of respect for Sandy. So sorry for your loss.

Cleve Arnwine

February 20, 2019

I was privileged to play on the Houston Wildcat 60-65 & 65-70 tournament team in the 1990's with Sandy. A great teammate, a fine gentleman and a highly skilled player who encouraged others and never critical of other players mistakes that I ever heard. I believe everybody in the senior softball program liked Sandy and looked up to him. He had many coaching tips which he had learned or observed over the years. One I remember was, "You can't coach speed." Funny and true. I retired from the league and team in 1998 to pursue other activities but missed the camaraderie of team and often wondered about my old teammates. I saw the notice in the Chronicle of Sandy's passing and felt compelled to make a comment about a man whom I admired.

Joseph and Elizabeth Campise

February 19, 2019

A life well lived is to be treasured and remembered. Sandy was a special man. Heaven is a better place today, albeit it with burgers and baseball! Martha and family, we send our love. Joseph and Elizabeth

Kay & Fred Campbell

February 19, 2019

We enjoyed meeting and knowing Sandy during my husband's days of playing Senior Softball. So sorry to hear of his passing -- our condolences to the family.

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